Vitamin D Supplementation Shows Potential Benefit in MAFLD Management: Study
A new study published in the journal of BMC Endocrine Disorders showed that individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels, which further decline with disease severity. This suggests that vitamin D supplementation may aid in the treatment and management of MAFLD.
The frequency of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is rising globally and has been identified as the most prevalent metabolic liver disease in Western nations. In line with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, Younossi et al. found that its prevalence was highest (32%) in the Middle East. Additionally, 7% of people of normal weight have NAFLD.
The symptoms of various hepatic conditions, from basic hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even HCC, are what define it. NAFLD has a high correlation with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Once MAFLD is established, it raises the hepatic IR, which in 30–40% of instances can lead to hepatocellular cancer, liver cirrhosis, NASH, and hepatic cell failure.
Type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and MAFLD are among the problems associated with insulin resistance that are associated with low blood vitamin D levels. Regarding the relationship between vitamin D and fatty liver, several clinical trials have examined the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with MAFLD, with varying degrees of controversy. Assessing the relationship between blood VIT D levels and insulin resistance in individuals with MAFLD was the goal of this investigation.
A clinical examination comprising anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests (serum VIT D, CBC, metabolic profile, liver and renal function, and HOMA-IR), ultrasonography, and shear wave elastography was conducted on all 120 subjects (60 control and 60 MAFLD patients) in this cross-sectional observational study.
Serum vitamin D levels in MAFLD patients were substantially lower (55%) than in the non-MAFLD group (15%), and they also declined significantly as the grades of fibrosis and steatosis rose (P < 0.001). Furthermore, although it is not statistically significant, there is a negative connection between IR and blood vitamin D levels in MAFLD patients.
Overall, hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in the MAFLD community and may have a role in the development of disease. To determine if vitamin D supplementation is beneficial in improving MAFLD further studies are required.
Reference:
Hassnine, A. A., Elsayed, A. M., Abdelaziez, S. K., Higazi, M. M., Okaily, N. I., & Soliman, W. (2025). Relationship between level of serum VIT D and insulin resistance in patients with MAFLD. BMC Endocrine Disorders, 25(1), 176. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12902-024-01820-0
